Female Genital Mutilation

Schools and settings can play a vital role in protecting girls from female genital mutilation (FGM) through identifying and protecting girls who are at risk of FGM.

A few facts about FGM

  • 60,000 girls under 15 years of age are at risk of FGM in the UK.
  • FGM has a harmful effect on a woman's life.
  • FGM is a form of child abuse; violence against women and girls, as well as a violation of their human rights.
  • All registered professionals in England, regulated by professional bodies have a statutory responsibility to report FGM for under 18s to the police and safeguarding team.
  • There were 9179 reports of identified FGM or procedures for FGM taking place between April 2016-March 2017! The NDNA has produced a useful mini guide that will help you understand what FGM is and what you need to do if you discover one of your nursery children has undergone an FGM procedure.
  • It is illegal in the UK and cannot be justified as a cultural or religious practice and leaders of all the main faiths have spoken out against it.

Some activities which schools and settings can undertake to prevent FGM are:

  • Adding FGM to PSHE lessons.
  • Training staff to identify the children "at risk" of FGM and "have had FGM".
  • Circulating and displaying materials about FGM.
  • Displaying relevant information, for example, details of the NSPCC's Helpline.
  • Discussing FGM in the coffee morning.
  • Discussing FGM referral pathways and the mandatory reporting responsibility.

Additional Support

If you would like to book training for staff or discuss any other intervention plan for FGM please contact Mamta Sagar using the details below.

Telephone: 020 8496 6947 / 07966 622 501
Email: Mamta.Sagar@walthamforest.gov.uk

Useful documents

Preventing FGM - Support and Resources for Schools

Download

End FGM Poster from NSPCC

Download

FGM - The Facts Leaflet

Download

FGM The Facts for young people - Forward UK

Download

Government Statement Opposing FGM

Download

Safeguarding and Welfare

Child Sexual Exploitation

E-Safety
Last update: Wednesday 25th of March 2020 04:05:06 PM